# bonfire

/ˈbɑnˌfaɪɝ/ (US) · /bˈɒnfaɪə/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bonfire
Updated: 2026-05-04

## Definition

a large outdoor fire built for warmth, celebration, or to burn waste. You often see them on holidays or at the end of summer.

For teachers: a large outdoor fire, typically constructed of wood and other combustible materials, used for warmth, celebration, or the disposal of waste.

## Examples

- We sat around the bonfire and told stories.
- The village lit a huge bonfire to celebrate the start of the new year.
- The flickering light of the bonfire cast long, dancing shadows against the ancient stone walls of the courtyard.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.